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Jelly Bean’s offspring Bertie Botts is an adorable little “ham sandwich”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but very loyal companion. Another whale, Zephyr has “constant motion” and moves like a worm. Lillooet is the “loving presence” with a heart of gold.

A group of thirty captive marine mammals in a Canadian amusement park have been caught in a disagreement between a closed attraction, government authorities and advocacy groups.

But those most familiar with the whales say the impassioned discussion over their destiny often ignores the nuances of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been thoroughly researched by the caretakers who interact with them daily.

After the national authorities blocked the export of the belugas to China, the embattled facility near Niagara Falls where they are kept threatened to end their lives unless the authorities covers the upkeep of their care. The nation’s fisheries minister has refused that demand, placing the 30 whales in an dangerously unstable circumstance.

Highly Cognitive Marine Mammals

Researchers say that belugas’ neuroanatomy, along with their sound replication, cognitive challenges and communal behavior point to they are deeply intelligent mammals – something a former trainer learned personally.

She spent a significant period as a whale caretaker, a role that entailed earning the trust of the marine predators.

“Developing those connections over time takes a lot of regularity and a lot of affection. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more vulnerable with you. It’s just so extraordinary and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were exceptionally cognitive, but she says she was nevertheless astounded by the nuances and idiosyncrasies in their personalities. She formed a particular love for two female belugas with different natures.

“Eve chose me. Cleo made me earn it,” she said. “They transformed the way I view bonding.”

Public Concerns and Facility Decline

Burgess’s relationship with the whales evolved against a background of increasing societal concern to their confinement.

During her tenure at the facility, multiple belugas and the park’s one orca, Kiska, passed away. In all, 19 belugas have perished at the park since recent years, a number which the facility attributes to age-related causes, but which activists say reflects the substandard environment in which they were maintained.

The park did not admit visitors to the public over the recent season, but Burgess says she saw with her own eyes results of the shutdown. “Concrete is falling apart from the tanks because they’re falling apart and not being fixed. The whales are curious and so they pick it up and navigate with chunks in their jaws. It’s heartbreaking to see.”

The park did not comment to a questionnaire, but previously claimed: “The whales … obtain far better health care and around the clock care than any person in the Britain, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Potential Resolutions

The former employee was terminated from the facility in early March following the demise of Eos, an unwell beluga the employees had to euthanize. She said the park suspected information of the incident were shared to the media and she was released soon after.

The ambiguity over the whales’ fate has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the park’s warning to end the lives of its whales is a leverage tool and is a “extremely difficult” undertaking, adding any efforts to euthanize even a single beluga would require “significant staff”, equipment and specialized tools.

“It cannot happen in hell the employees would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess advocates for requests for the whales to be removed right away from the park, with its deteriorating pools and dwindling staff.

In the autumn, Canada’s government official denied a bid to send the whales to China.

“Allowing the request would have meant a perpetual life in confinement and a return to display for amusement,” the minister stated. “As society, we know that belugas belong in the ocean, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in clear conscience permit an relocation that would continue the treatment these belugas have suffered.”

But the former trainer said the official’s statements reveal a more general misunderstanding of the circumstances of life for belugas living their whole lives in enclosures.

“The people needs to grasp these are whales that have lived entirely in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “Many just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘end operations’.”

Alternative Habitat and Ongoing Debate

As decision makers attempt to find a solution, suggestions have emerged, some of which have little basis in reality. One proposal called for the belugas to be let go into the open waters of the Arctic – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of eastern Canada, which now received government approval, has proven highly debated. The prospective facility, which includes extensive space of enclosed sea water, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain optimistic that it could ultimately represent a long term solution for a number of the whales.

But, Burgess says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “skepticism there” about what she said is “only an trial” in the whales’ fate.

Different voices say the idea of a protected habitat indicates a worldwide trend away from animal displays and could represent a workable plan in the short term.

Charles Vinick, director of the sanctuary project, said the location will mimic the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from caretakers, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is thoroughly evaluated, which could take months|an extended period|